Playlist for Processing this Election

Some songs seem to perfectly sum up how we feel in the wake of the election. Consider the following selections for your post-election playlist:

“Shit Luck” by Modest Mouse – This song is fast and chaotic. It only has a few lyrics, and they are all about things being destroyed.

“Straight Outta Vagina“ by Pussy Riot – Donald Trump is a known pussy grabber. This song grabs back. It praises women by singing about a uniquely feminine body part, the vagina, in a blunt, crass way. It serves as a reminder that women are powerful. Plus the chorus is catchy – “Don’t play stupid, don’t play dumb. Vagina’s where you’re really from.”

“Fuk Donald Trump“ by YG and Nipsey Hussle – This song is satisfying partially because it feels good to hear “Fuck Donald Trump” more than 30 times in three-and-a-half minutes. However, upon listening closer, this song clearly sums up several concerns people have about Trump as president. Released before the election to dissuade people from voting Trump, it is still a satisfying listen after the fact.

“What’s Going On“ by Marvin Gaye – This song of a man trying to make sense of a bleak and dangerous world seems appropriate right now. It may have been released over forty years ago, but the lyrics are pretty spot on.

“The Wall“ (album) by Pink Floyd – A 1979 rock opera about a man who has metaphorically built a wall and has envisioned himself as taken over by a fascist dictator. This is an interesting listen after Trump’s election.

“For What It’s Worth“ by Buffalo Springfield – This song is seen by many (filmmakers and documentarians especially) as one of the most quintessential songs of the 1960s. It speaks of a time of uncertainty, near universal division, and a country on the edge of violence.

“Hallelujah“ by … well, pretty much anybody – A song that reminds us to find passion in our lives. It’s also a way to honor the recently late Leonard Cohen, who deserves as much respect as anyone who writes a song that gets covered over 300 times.

“It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)“ by REM – This one feels pretty self-explanatory.

“Through the Fire and Flames“ by DragonForce – Yes, it’s that song from Guitar Hero III. A tale of a hard fought quest against dark forces. The quest fails, but the new fight for freedom begins in earnest.

“Heartbreak Armageddon“ by DragonForce – Yup. They’re back. A song of unbelievable loss, and the hope necessary to emerge from it.

“When the Mirror Cracks“ by Xandria – A song about the feeling when your certainty of paradise is thrown out of balance.

“Times Like These“ by Foo Fighters – A song about letting sudden change push you to improve yourself and reevaluate your life.

“Keelhauled“ by Alestorm – Trump was elected for a myriad of reasons, but it doesn’t change the fact that there are more than a few out there who saw in him a free pass for their sexism, racism, ethnocentrism, religious intolerance, xenophobia, and just general hate. This song is good catharsis when you have to remind yourself that you aren’t Batman and therefore can’t actually go out and kick their asses personally.

“The Heart of Everything“ by Within Temptation – A song about fighting the important fights, no matter what.